Starigrad-Paklenica

The town of Stari Grad (also called Starigrad-Paklenica) is situated between the foothills of the rugged Velebit and the deep blue Adriatic Sea only about 46 miles from the nearest city of Zadar. Nestled in a unique panorama consisting of up to 1,700 meter high rock walls and flatly sloping into the sea beaches, Stari Grad promises visitors  a wide selection of versatile ways to spend an exciting, interesting and relaxing holiday in North Dalmatia. Additionally, the climate is also unique because of the way in which the Velebit meets with the Adriatic Sea, which partially causes the strong Bora winds and the mild temperatures of the Mediterranean.

Some important characteristics for the landscape and for the recreational activities around the approximately 1,100 inhabitant, large resort are the Velebit Mountains and the nearby Paklenica National Park- the park responsible for Stari Grad's nickname. Climbers will find challenging cliffs in the deeply cut canyons of Velika Paklenica and Mala Paklenica. Both canyons have been included in the list of World Biosphere Reserves from UNESCO. On the signposted hiking trails, visitors can experience the impressive flora and fauna of the Paklenica National Park, which is not only home to Griffon vultures, brown bears and lynx, but was at the same time the location for the Winnetou films. "The Golden Jubilee Celebrations of the Winnetou films" haven taken place in Stari Grad since 2012 in honor of the popular Karl May movies.

When hiking in the karst landscape around Stari Grad you will get the chance to experience the wonderful coastal region where you will be following the traces of ancient traditions. So-called Mirila (singular: mirilo) dominate the mountainous landscape. Mirila are resting places for the dead who, on their last journey through the mountains, greet the sun. A horizontally erected limestone plate and two high stones, representing head and feet, were set up as resting places for the dead. Today they are considered a valuable heritage from the region. From the city center, there are two Mirila within an half hour walk.

A leisurely tour of Stari Grad will also lead you to discover landmarks such as the watchtower of Vecka Kula and the Paklarić Fortress once built for defense against the Turks. Towards the southern exit there is the early-Romanesque Church of Sveti Petar (Saint Peter) from the 10th century. You will get to know the country and the people best during the traditional festivals of the city, such as the pilgrimage to the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption in the Velebit, the Velebit Marathon and the Film Festival of Stari Grad. The annual Night of the Fishermen provides an interesting insight into the fish-rich, regional cuisine and warm hospitality of the inhabitants.

In Starigrad you can enjoy an active yet relaxed vacation. The rough Velebit Mountains guarantee an exiting vacation with its steep cliffs and well-developed walking trails and relaxation can be found at the clean, gorgeous sparkling Adriatic Sea. The Adriatic here has calm waters due to its wide promontory and the offshore islands. Whether hiking, climbing, free climbing, mountain biking or Nordic walking in the mountains; sailing, diving, surfing or water skiing on the sea or volleyball, mini golf or tennis on the beach: The leisure activities in Stari Grad are aimed at both children and young people as well as adults and older travelers. Long, clean sandy beaches characterize the coast of Stari Grad. Similar to the other many places in Croatia, the beaches around Stari Grad have clean and clear waters.